Creeks and Communities:
A Continuing Strategy for Accelerating Cooperative Riparian
Restoration and Management
Creeks and Communities Network
Annual Accomplishments
FY 2015
by
THE NATIONAL RIPARIAN SERVICE TEAM
DECEMBER 2015
USDI, Bureau of Land Management ● USDA, Forest Service In Partnership With USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Creeks and Communities Network
The interagency Creeks and Communities Strategy is a joint effort of the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM), USDA Forest Service (FS), in cooperation with Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS). The strategy is implemented by the Creeks and Communities Network (CCN) which includes
the National Riparian Service Team (NRST), State Riparian Teams and Agency Coordinators, with
personnel from federal and state agencies, universities, industry and conservation interests, and the private
sector.
Purpose
To advance cooperative riparian stewardship as a diverse and dedicated network representing various
agencies, organizations, disciplines, and interests.
Vision
Sustainable riparian resources as a foundation for resilient ecosystems and communities.
Mission
To empower landowners, managers, specialists, practitioners, policymakers, and other interested and
affected individuals and organizations to work together to achieve sustainable riparian resources by
providing guidance, information, tools, training, coaching, and problem-solving assistance.
Operating Principles and Practices
To operate as effective catalysts for riparian stewardship, the CCN will:
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Promote a sequenced, integrated, and adaptive approach to riparian management by linking physical
function and the sustainable production of values.
Work across ownerships and jurisdictions and recognize ecological and social factors while engaging
affected interests.
Enhance awareness, knowledge, skills, relationships, and trust to foster collective, on-the-ground
action; Assist in developing and providing the state-of-the-art tools; clear and current direction; and
training, coaching, and review necessary to ensure effective application and results.
Serve as a communication link between field needs and policy development and implementation;
Ensure CCN effectiveness through ongoing evaluation and adaptation.
National Riparian Service Team
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Steve Smith, Team Leader, Rangeland/Riparian Specialist, BLM
Carol Connolly, Public Affairs Specialist, Budget & Contracting, BLM
Mark Gonzalez, Ph.D., Ecologist/Soils Scientist, BLM
Laura Van Riper, Ph.D., Social Scientist, BLM
Sandy Wyman, Rangeland Management Specialist, BLM
Adjunct Team Members with specialized skills in Ecology, Fisheries, Wildlife, Hydrology,
Forestry, Rangelands, and Conflict Management
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Agency Program Coordinators
 Carol Spurrier, (acting) BLM, Washington, DC
 BLM State Office Riparian Program Leads
o AK, Matt Varner
o AZ, Aaron Wilkerson
o CA, Christina Lund
o CO, Jay Thompson
o ID, Bryce Bohn
o MT, Alden Shallcross
o NM, John Sherman
o NV, Sarah Peterson
o OR/WA, Al Doelker/Dale Stewart
o UT, Justin Jimenez
o WY, Dennis Saville
 Allan Rowley, Barbara Schrader and Alix Cleveland, FS, Washington, DC
 Forest Service Regional Office Riparian Program Managers
o Northern Region, Mary Manning
o Rocky Mountain Region, Vacant
o Southwest Region, Judith Dyess/Roy Jemison
o Intermountain Region, Terry Padilla
o Pacific Southwest Region, Vacant
o Pacific Northwest Region, Tom Hilken
o Southern Region, Suzanne Krieger/Michael Crump
o Eastern Region, Ted Geier
o Alaska Region, John Lane/Barbara Schrader
 Sid Brantly, NRCS, Washington, DC; Shaun McKinney, and Gene Fults, NRCS, West
National Technology Support Center
 NRCS State Riparian Coordinators
o AK, Calvin Steele
o AZ, Byron Lambeth/Stu Tuttle
o CA, Steve Hill
o CO, Eugene Backhaus
o ID, Brendan Brazee
o KS, Jon Ungerer
o MT, Vacant
o ND, Vacant
o NM, John Tunberg
o NV, Patti Novak-Echenique
o OR, Bob Gillaspy
o SD, Stanley Boltz/Jerry Jasmer
o TX, Russ Castro
o UT, Shane Green
o WA, Tim Dring
o WY, Brian Jensen
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State and Provincial Team Coordinators
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Arizona
British Columbia
California
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
New Mexico
Nevada
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington State
Wyoming
Vacant
Cori Barraclough & Patrick Lucey, Aqua-Tex Scientific Consulting Ltd.
Vacant
Jay Thompson, BLM Colorado State Office
Bryce Bohn, BLM Idaho State Office
Mike Philbin, BLM Montana State Office
John Sherman, BLM New Mexico State Office
Sherm Swanson, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Reno
Jim Eisner, BLM Prineville Field Office
Russell Castro, NRCS Texas State Office
Justin Jimenez, BLM Utah State Office, and Mark Petersen, Consultant
Tip Hudson, Washington State University Extension, Ellensburg, WA
Dennis Saville, BLM Wyoming State Office
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Provide Training and Coaching and Facilitate
Information Sharing – National Riparian Service Team
Training Sessions – National Riparian Service Team
High quality training is a foundation for successful riparian restoration and management. Training provided by the NRST and the Creeks and Communities Network has increased understanding of how riparian-wetland areas function, how to apply innovative and effective management strategies, how to monitor stream channels and streamside vegetation, and how to effectively engage people and manage conflict. This knowledge is fundamental for managing for resilient streams and wetlands and protecting water resources. Over 286 people attended NRST led training sessions in 2015.  Proper Functioning Condition for Resource Professionals (four-day sessions): Three training sessions were completed in 2015 with a total of 98 participants. 
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Nevada – Interagency participation, Nevada Riparian Team sponsor (Carson City)
Montana – BLM sponsor (Malta) Wyoming – BLM sponsor (Rock Springs)  Multiple Indicator Monitoring of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation: Three
training sessions and one coaching assistance trip were completed in 2015 for a total of
approximately 110 participants.
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Oregon– Four-day course for FS and BLM sponsored by the Region 6 Forest Service
Range Program and Starkey Experimental Forest and Range (LaGrande)
Utah – Four-day course for FS and BLM sponsored by the Manti-La Sal NF and the Utah
Riparian Team (Ephraim)
Arizona – Two, four-day courses and further testing of MIM on southwest streams
sponsored by the FS (Tonto NF and Sedona)
Technical support to BLM and Forest Service field units regarding data management
 Grazing Management Processes and Strategies for Riparian-Wetland Areas: Two sessions
were held in 2015 for a total of 78 participants.
o Oregon – Two, three-day courses sponsored by BLM and FS (Lakeview and Prineville),
with the assistance of the Oregon Riparian Team.
 Consensus Institute
NRST led development and offerings of Consensus Institute Training in partnership with BLM
CADR and the BLM National Training Center (NTC). The team worked with CADR, NTC and
contractors to create this training program. NRST led a training for CADR coordinators as part of
the Strategic Planning Process. NRST also led Consensus Institute Training at the request of the
Stewardship Alliance of Northeast Elko County (SANE). SANE is a landowner-led collaborative
that has also been working with the NRST and their associates to develop activities designed to
build collaborative capacity within their group and across the state.
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Information Sharing – National Riparian Service Team
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CADR/NRST Klamath River Basin Videos
CADR requested NRST assistance with efforts to develop a series of short training videos
highlighting the impact of conflict transformation. CADR selected the Klamath Basin (one of
NRST’s long-term projects) as the focus for this effort. NRST assisted CADR in managing the
logistics of this request, as well as participating in the videotaping itself – which occurred in
March 2015. This video showcases the Klamath River Basin as a web-based, education and
awareness-building tool. The final product will be completed in 2016, and will include 5-8
‘human (video) portraits’ and a short video focused on conflict and collaboration.
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Society for Ecological Restoration Symposium (SER)
NRST organized and led a ½ day symposium on the NRST-Klamath River Basin Project
at the annual SER meeting. NRST received the ‘President’s Award for a Collaborative
Project’ as a result of the team’s work in the Klamath River Basin.
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Society for Range Management Annual Meeting
In 2015, the NRST provided materials for BLM booth.
In addition to work listed above, the NRST responded to numerous requests for information, advice, or
assistance from a variety of sources, both national and international. Inquiries included questions about
the Creeks and Communities approach as well as riparian assessment, monitoring, restoration, and
adaptive management. In addition, several referrals were made to help people locate assistance and
information.
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Resolve Issues through Tailored Assistance and
Collaboration – National Riparian Service Team
The Creeks and Communities Strategy represents an innovative and adaptive approach aimed at building
capacity of land managers and stakeholders to address complex and often contentious issues inherent in
managing riparian resources. Site specific or “placed-based assistance” can include multiple phases
involving training and problem solving efforts designed to address both the technical and social
dimensions of riparian related issues.
Assistance Projects
 BLM Nevada Drought After-Action Review
In July 2014, the BLM Nevada State Office initiated a study with the BLM Washington Office
and the NRST to examine current drought policies, environmental assessment, and
implementation strategies used in field offices across northern and central Nevada. The NRST
provided input on agenda and drought review talking points, participated in drought training, and
joined 2 teams that visited 9 field offices in 5 BLM districts (April, 2015). Visits included a
review of policies and practices, a field inspection of resource conditions and drought
monitoring/assessment protocols with field office staffs, and collected feedback from field staff
regarding what worked well, challenges, and field office needs to conduct appropriate drought
monitoring. The NRST helped write the Drought After-Action Review Report for the Nevada
State Office.
 BLM, Nevada State Office and Battle Mountain District
In December 2014, the NRST received a request for service from the BLM Nevada State Office
(NVSO). The request was for NRST assistance with a Stakeholder Engagement for Healthy
Lands Project. In January of 2015, a situation assessment was completed where the team met with
over 180 people to discuss their perspectives, concerns, and potential opportunities for working
together to develop a shared vision on issues concerning drought, sage grouse, livestock grazing,
wild horse and burro management, invasive species, fire, and others. A report summarizing
findings and recommendations was developed and distributed to all parties. The assessment team
also provided briefings to the BLM State Leadership Team and other individuals and groups.
Following the situation assessment, the NV State Office, the Battle Mountain District Office, and
the permittees requested NRST assistance with conflict resolution efforts on the Argenta
allotment. NRST served as the convener and neutral third party, which entailed facilitating
discussions, and providing review and recommendations. This project involved the completion of
a 3-year settlement agreement between BLM and Argenta permittees that protects range resources
while allowing for the replacement of the temporary closures with management.
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The goal of NRST assistance was to work with various parties to develop a short-term grazing
management plan (3-year trial period) to protect range resources while allowing for replacement
of temporary closures with management; to design and implement a robust monitoring program;
and to foster collaborative and cooperative working relationships between parties.
NRST assisted with the development of a detailed program of work in 2015, including
development of low-stress stockmanship program and implementation of a monitoring program.
This included the establishment of a high-functioning cooperative monitoring group (CMG) to
conduct a mutually agreed upon monitoring program that included: stratifying and selecting
monitoring sites, selecting and refining monitoring protocols, cooperatively collecting monitoring
data, reviewing and analyzing end-of-season monitoring data. Emphasis was placed on working
through issues in a transparent fashion.
 Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement
As part of this agreement, the NRST was identified to provide professional and
landowner/community training and outreach; coaching and quality control; and review and
guidance related to riparian assessment, management, and monitoring. Initial planning and
coordination was completed in 2014 and 2015 in preparation for initiating a number of these
activities in FY 2016.
 Starkey Experimental Forest and Range, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Pacific
Northwest Research Station, OR
The NRST received a request to evaluate a riparian restoration project on Meadow Creek within
the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range. A multi-agency field tour was held in September
2014. The NRST provided a report of findings with recommendations in 2015 for an integrated
riparian management process and suggested monitoring methods to determine effectiveness of
restoration actions, as a component of multi-level research work on the station. A follow-up
training course, Multiple Indicator Monitoring of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation,
was held in June.
 V Bar V Ranch/Coconino National Forest
In October and November 2014, NRST served as facilitator for the review of riparian conditions
and riparian grazing management on the V Bar V Ranch (University of Arizona operation) and its
allotments on the Coconino National Forest. NRST facilitated the field meeting, took notes,
completed a report with recommended actions, and distributed it to all participants.
 Grazing and Riparian Monitoring Assistance and Coaching, Prineville District Office, OR
The NRST provided riparian grazing management technical expertise and information in support
of NEPA for permit reissuance. They also provided field coaching of riparian monitoring (MIM)
and PFC assessment techniques, instruction on reach delineation and stratification, process of
identifying reach potential, and a review of the integrated riparian management processes (IRMP)
for the interdisciplinary team on the Prineville District office.
 BLM Wild Horse and Burro Management
In response to the recent National Academy of Science’s Report and recommendations regarding
Wild Horse and Burro (WHB) management within the BLM, the NRST worked with CADR to
develop a proposal for applying their approach to collaborative problem solving to Wild Horse
and Burro management issues across the West. Because the team’s approach has demonstrated
success in the past, and it is replicable and transferable to issues beyond riparian, applying this
approach to WHB issues can yield successful outcomes. This proposal also supports the BLM’s
Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution (CADR) program’s efforts to increase the use of
CADR principles and practices throughout the BLM. To this end, in 2015, NRST led a Nevada
State Office and WHB situation assessment that included 185 people across northern NV.
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 Northwest Interagency Coordination Center Assistance
The NRST provided management and staffing to the Regional Fire Management Media Desk.
Help Develop State- of- the- Art Information and Tools National Riparian Service Team
 Revision of TR 1737-15 Riparian Area Management - A User Guide to Assessing PFC and
the Supporting Science for Lotic Areas
The revision was led by the BLM National Operations Center (NOC). A core planning and
writing team was established in 2011 that included the NRST and the Creeks and Communities
Network. A widespread interagency technical review and a usability review were completed in
2012 - 2015. The revision was completed and published in 2015:
Dickard, M., M. Gonzalez, W. Elmore, S. Leonard, D. Smith, S. Smith, J. Staats, P.
Summers, D. Weixelman, S. Wyman. 2015. Riparian area management: Proper
functioning condition assessment for lotic areas. Technical Reference 1737-15 (Ver.
2). U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, National Operations
Center, Denver, CO.
 Journal of Rangeland Applications Article
The NRST co-authored a Riparian Grazing Management article designed to summarize scientific
information relevant to land management in the Great Basin for use in decision making and
evaluation. This was in partnership with University of Idaho and University of Nevada -Reno.
The article was published in December 2015.
Practical Grazing Management to Maintain or Restore Riparian Functions and Values on
Rangelands. 2015. Swanson, S., S. Wyman, and C. Evans. J. Rangeland Applications (2):
pp. 1-28. http://journals.lib.uidaho.edu/index.php/jra/article/view/16/6.
 TR-1737-16 (TR 1737-16 v.2) Riparian Area Management: Proper Functioning Condition
(PFC) Assessment for Lentic Areas
The BLM NOC and the NRST initiated revision of this publication. NRST members will co­
author or review this technical reference in 2016.
 Community Proper Functioning Condition Riparian Booklet
The Creeks and Communities Network has a long-standing need for a non-technical counterpart
to the riparian PFC technical references. This booklet will be used in conjunction with
community workshops on riparian function to help public, stakeholders, and others with a non­
technical background to understand important riparian functions. A draft has been completed and
is undergoing review and editing.
 SRM Symposium Lentic
NRST assisted with the agenda and speakers for the upcoming Lentic symposium at the SRM
Conference scheduled for Feb. 2, 2016.
 Riparian Grasses Field Guide
The NRST and University of Wyoming Professor Emeritus Dr. Quentin Skinner, are co-authoring
a Riparian Grasses Field Guide for the Western United States. This work entails collection,
photography, taxonomy, and ecological descriptions of species for the western United States.
Document is in process, and editing and publishing are planned for 2016.
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 Riparian Electronic Bookcase
Continued efforts to collect hard copies of technical riparian-wetland literature and related
documents to scan or acquire electronically for inclusion in a riparian electronic bookcase.
 Riparian Area Management: Monitoring Lentic Areas
The BLM NOC and the NRST initiated development of this protocol in 2014. NRST is assisting
with the selection of monitoring indicators, development of sample designs and monitoring
protocols for lentic systems. In 2015, a field review was conducted and additional work is
planned for 2016.
 BLM Aquatic Core Indicator Development Working Group
The NRST is serving on the core development working group responsible for providing ongoing
and extensive input for the development of aquatic and riparian core indicators, information
needs, and measures. This project is part of BLM’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring
(AIM) initiative. In 2015, this group completed and published the AIM National Aquatic
Monitoring Framework:
Bureau of Land Management (Miller, S.W., B. Bohn, D. Dammann, M. Dickard, M.
Gonzalez, J. Jimenez, E. Rumbold, S. Smith, K. Stein). 2015. AIM National Aquatic
Monitoring Framework: Introducing the Framework and Indicators of Lotic Systems.
Technical Reference 1735-1. U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, National Operations Center, Denver, CO.
 Riparian Complex Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) Development
The NRST serves on an interagency (NRCS, BLM, FS, University) group for the development of
unity and site concepts of riparian complex ESDs. The interagency group developed site
concepts for riparian complex ESDs in FY2015.
 CADR Strategic Plan
NRST served on the core team responsible for working with BLM leadership to finalize the
CADR strategic plan; NRST also served as co-author of the strategic plan published in 2015:
Bureau of Land Management. 2015. Transforming Collaborative Action and Dispute
Resolution in the BLM: A Strategic Plan. Division of Decision Support, Planning and
NEPA, Washington, D.C.
 NRST provided detailed advice and/or review comments for the following projects:
o Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, v.5 TR-1734-6.
o NRCS Draft Riparian Complex ESDs for Lotic Riparian Complex Guidance.
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Link Field- Based Activities and Policymakers – National
Riparian Service Team
 BLM/DOI Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution (CADR)
The NRST served on the oversight committee as well as the core writing team for development of
the BLM-CADR strategic plan, serves as a CADR coordinator, and serves on the DOI-CADR in­
house facilitation roster.
 BLM Program Coordination/Integration
The NRST is contributing to efforts aimed at establishing roles and priorities for integrating
programs that address water, riparian-wetland, aquatic resources, and collaboration.
Support the C&C Program and Cultivate the CCN
Products for Outreach and Strategy Implementation – National Riparian
Service Team
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NRST/Creeks and Communities Website
Creeks and Communities Network Directory
Creeks and Communities Handouts and PowerPoint Presentations
Briefings, Meetings, Presentations, Key Contacts – National Riparian Service
Team
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DOI Collaborative Action & Dispute Resolution Staff
DOI Office of Policy Analysis Staff
Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting – Public Lands Roundtable
BLM Division of Forest, Rangeland, Riparian & Plant Conservation
FS Range and Vegetation Ecology Staff
FS Regions 4 and 6 Range and Aquatics Staff
BLM meeting at annual Society for Range Management Meeting
Discussions with BLM Leadership regarding opportunities for leveraging NRST success across
the Bureau; presentation to the Public Land Foundation
 Moderated three hour-long webinars for BLM CADR, DOI CADR, and the Managing by
Networks Training Program
Work Planning, Operations, Coordination – National Riparian Service Team
NRST Coordination Calls and Work Planning Meetings
BLM WO-220 Conference Calls, Work Plans, Budget and Staffing Coordination
IDIQ Contract for Creeks and Communities Professional Services
BLM Riparian, Range and Fisheries Program Conference Calls
BLM and FS Fish, Wildlife, Watershed, Soils Program Coordination
BLM National Landscape Conservation System Coordination
BLM Collaboration and ADR Program Coordination
BLM National Operations Center Planning and Coordination
BLM National Training Center Planning and Coordination
10 DOI Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution Coordination
BLM Socioeconomic Coordination
NRCS WO Rangelands and West National Technical Support Center Coordination
Leveraging Resources – National Riparian Service Team
Several NRST activities were accomplished through leveraging the NRST operating budget with
additional funding and in-kind contributions.
Reporting
FY 2015 Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) report on CADR activities for the BLM
FY2015 Periodic NRST Updates
FY2014 Creeks & Communities Network Accomplishment Report
State Riparian Team Activities
Arizona
 No activities reported in FY 2015.
California
 No activities reported in FY 2015.
Canada
 Received funding from Eco-Action (Environment Canada) to conduct a PFC assessment on a second
major tributary in the Shawnigan Watershed.
 Began the PFC assessments in the Shawnigan Watershed and will continue to undertake assessments
in early spring 2016.
 Completed a PFC assessment on the Godman Creek and Substation Creek sub-catchments in West
Vancouver, British Columbia with the purpose of aiding the design and planning of a residential
community. The assessments form a key part in identifying locations for construction of residences
and associated infrastructure that have the least impact on aquatic features within the development
boundary.
 Provided an introductory PFC lecture and field course to graduate students, interns, and municipal
staff (September, 4 participants).
 Received a contract to undertake a PFC assessment in the City of Burnaby to help address questions
of stream management and rehabilitation in a heavily urbanized area. This assessment work took
place in early January 2016.
 Continued efforts to foster interest in the Creeks and Communities Network concepts and model in
British Columbia, working with Provincial government, regional governments, non-governmental
organizations, and youth education
Colorado
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Conducted a PFC workshop in Pueblo with Colorado State University (June, 23 participants). Conducted a PFC workshop in Breckenridge, CO (July, 25 participants). Added two new state team instructors from BLM. 11 Idaho
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Conducted MIM training in Challis, ID (September, 25 participants).
Conducted lentic PFC calibration training to 3 field offices.
Montana
 Hosted a PFC for Professionals training provided by the National Riparian Service Team in Malta,
MT (July, 25 participants).
Nevada
 Taught Water Quality Implications from Riparian Proper Function Condition Assessment for USEPA
Office of Research and Development (October, 14 participants).
 Conducted training class for an EPA Team of scientists who are preparing to teach concepts for
identifying water quality issues in the countries of former Yugoslavia.
 Conducted a PFC assessment workshop in Winnemucca, NV (July, 38 participants).
 Taught riparian plant identification course at the UNR Herbarium/ Great Basin Museum of Natural
History (July, 29 participants).
 Taught PFC assessment “streamlined” in Elko, NV (June, 15 participants).
 Hosted and helped teach a PFC for Professionals training provided by the National Riparian Service
Team in Carson City, NV (May, 33 participants).
 Taught workshop on riparian conditions and management at the IL Ranch for the ranch owners,
Newmont Mining Company (May).
 Taught Review Course for PFC to the Plumas National Forest Mohawk Ranger District PFC
Assessment Team (April, 6 participants).
 Published papers:
Kwan, H., Swanson, S. R. (2015). Prediction of Annual Streambank Erosion for Sequoia
National Forest, California. J. Am Water Res. Assoc, 50(6), pp. 1439-1447.
Kwan, H., Swanson, S. R. (2015). Reply to discussion by David L. Rosgen. Prediction of
Annual Streambank Erosion for Sequoia National Forest, California. Journal of the
American Water Resources Association, 51(2), 568.
Swanson, S. R., Wyman, S., Evans, C. (2015). Practical Grazing Management to Maintain or
Restore Riparian Functions and Values. Journal of Rangeland Applications/University of
Idaho, Rangeland Center, 2, 1-28. http://journals.lib.uidaho.edu/index.php/jra
This was an invited/commissioned synthesis paper
New Mexico
 No activities reported in FY 2015. Initiated preparations for hosting a PFC for Professionals course in
2016.
Oregon
 Co-sponsored and assisted with riparian grazing management course in Lakeview and Prineville
(June/July, 20 and 36 participants).
 Provided riparian mentorship for Forest Service Fish Biologist.
Texas
One Day Riparian Function Workshops
 Texas Water Resources Institute, Nueces River (October).
 Texas Water Resources Institute, Eagle Mt Creek (October).
 Texas Water Resources Institute, Pedernales River (December).
 Texas Water Resources Institute, Dickenson Bayou (February).
 Texas Water Resources Institute, Leon River (March).
 Texas Water Resources Institute, San Antonio River (April).
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Texas Water Resources Institute, Cypress Creek (May).
Texas Water Resources Institute, Hickory Creek (May).
Texas Water Resources Institute, Richland Chambers (June).
Texas Water Resources Institute, San Gabriel River (September).
Two Day PFC Workshops
Texas Water Resources Institute Waxahachie (June).
Texas Water Resources Institute Belton (June).
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Riparian Function Presentations
 Holistic Management International (March).  Native Plant Society of Texas (April).  Soil for Water (May).  Hill Country Alliance (June).  Nature Conservancy / Texas Parks and Wildlife (June).  Nature Conservancy / Texas Parks and Wildlife (June).  Nature Conservancy / Texas Parks and Wildlife (June).  Soil for Water (June). On-Site Riparian Assessment and Consultation
 Four private land operations between April and August.
Education and Outreach
 Riparian Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8BucDGS1CA.
 Articles: Taking Care of Creeks and Streams; Ranch and Rural Living; June 2015.
o Creek and River Myths; Texas Wildlife; July 2015.
 Book: Texas Riparian Areas; Texas A&M Press.
Utah
 Utah Riparian Team Coordinator attended the Northern, South East and the Southern Region Utah
Partners for Conservation and Development, Watershed Restoration Initiative meeting and shared
information regarding the Utah Riparian Team and associated Creeks and Communities activities.
 Utah Riparian Team Coordinator attended and presented at the Utah Watershed Coordinators Counsel
meeting and shared information regarding the Utah Riparian Team and associated Creeks and
Communities activities.
 Conducted Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) implementation training in Moab, Utah. The
implementation training provides an opportunity to get more experience with MIM following
attendance at a general MIM course and benefits the hosting office by establishing MIM sites and
collecting MIM data for the home unit (20 participants).
 Utah Riparian Team Coordinator attended and participated in a MIM training led by the NRST in
Ephraim, UT.
 Utah Riparian Team Coordinator met with and assisted Dixie National Forest and BLM UT Cedar
City Field Office with MIM data conversion and analysis module.
 Conducted a 3-day training session on the Process for Assessing Proper Functioning Condition (PFC)
of Lentic Areas in Moab, Utah (26 participants including BLM, USFS, Utah Division of Wildlife
Resources, University of Utah, private consultants, Grand Canyon Trust, Great Basin Institute,
ranchers, permittee’s, Grand Conservation District, Canyon Country Youth Corps, and Utah Dept. of
Agriculture and Food).
 Assisted Utah State University, the BLM Salt Lake FO, Deseret Land and Livestock and the
permittee with MIM Implementation training and site assessments on the Sage Creek allotment near
13 the Wyoming/Utah state line. This involved an evening MIM implementation update training and
two field days establishing MIM sites and collecting MIM data.
Washington
 Initiated preparations for hosting a PFC for Professionals Course in 2016. Submitted funding grant
applications to help finance the course.
Wyoming
 Hosted a PFC for Professionals training provided by the NRST in Rock Springs, WY (August, 25
participants).
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